"May I kiss your forehead, Crimson?" She doesn't recoil or say a word, so I press my lips gently against her forehead. It's a tender and fleeting moment, but it fills me with a warmth that I can't explain.
"Just because a relationship has an expirat...
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DREXEL GENESIS
If the forest was an arena and the towering Palm trees its audience, then the stage would be the dazzling lake shimmering under the clear sun which was undoubtedly the showstopper in the forest. Its performers would be the gentle ripples across its surface, fluttering birds grazing the water, and dragonflies kissing purple meadow sages like shy couples on their first date. Beauty and brightness were everywhere, and the tall, waving palm trees shot their green-fringed tops up against the blue sky and fleecy clouds, adding an extra charm to the already stunning view.
"Beautiful, don't you think?" I ask, my eyes lit up with the eagerness of a child seeking approval for a good deed. My smile drops a little when she hastily plasters a quick grin onto her face. "It's absolutely breathtaking," she eventually replies. Our hands were still linked, and Crimson seemed unaware of it as I lead her towards the edge of the lake where the others had already seated with a blanket spread out on the green grass.
However, Zeke's pointed look towards our intertwined hands makes me quickly pull away with an apologetic "sorry," while nervously rubbing the nape of my neck. Crimson hurriedly laughs to lighten the mood and continues to admire the scenery. I turn to look at Zeke, but he looks away the moment our eyes meet.
Crimson's words interrupt me, "So, about those brownies..."
Instantly, the others perk up at the mention of my brownies, and the girls and boys lunge towards the brown basket.
"I want the first one!" yells Zeke.
"Don't touch it!" scolds Ayla.
"It's been so long!"
"I'm starving!"
I quickly intervene and say, "Give the first one to Crimson." Gruffly, I grab the basket from Zeke's and Ayla's hands, go in front of Crimson, open the lid, and hold out a neatly wrapped brownie. She smiles at me and takes it, while everyone watches with bated breath, eager and hungry eyes as she takes the first bite, my hands gripping the basket tightly.
The fudgy cake would melt on your tongue, causing your mouth to quiver in ecstasy as the chocolate exploded on your taste buds. The sprinkles added a satisfying crunch and an extra nutty flavour that made the brownie even more delectable.
It was the only recipe I knew how to make, and it held a special place in my heart as it was passed down to me from my late Grandmother.
Crimson's eyes shut as she finishes the brownie. Then, she says with a grin, "Euphoria. The best brownie I've ever tasted!" My face relaxes, and my eyes sparkle with happiness, probably like the waters of the lake behind us.
The others take her compliment as a go for them to devour up the rest of the brownies like starved animals. Little by little, the other goodies like cakes, sodas and biscuits disappeared in no time. Archer plops down on the grass with a content sigh. "That was delicious."
